Hello Berserkers,
We have been making Zeitgeist since 2005, but are new to BD!
We have been in Napa for over 20 years making wine in various capacities and at numerous wineries. And we have had the great fortune to have worked with incredible mentors, friends, and just downright excellent people.
Zeitgeist Cellars if focused on Cabernet Sauvignon. We also dabble with aromatic whites, especially a few that were once widely planted in CA, but have been nearly pushed to extinction (in CA). The whites have proven to be a fun drink after making Cabernet all day.
Wine Goals
We have always tried to make Cabernet that embraces the growing conditions of California, while also paying homage to the great wines of Bordeaux. It can be a tightrope act for sure. And too much on either side of this equation can make for wines that are just simply extreme. We aim for complexity as well as precision. And we enjoy wines that will age gracefully in the cellar.
We currently work with the Lewelling Vineyard in St Helena, the Sleeping Lady Vineyard in Yountville for both Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, Oakville Station in the heart of Oakville and more recently the Rafael Vineyard in Napa. We make limited amounts of vineyard designate cabernets, and our Napa Cabernet is a blend of all of these vineyards.
About Jennifer
Jen grew up in San Diego county and headed to Cal Poly where she intended to study large animal veterinary science. After taking a horticulture class (and falling in with some Napa natives) she changed course and dove headfirst into agriculture and fruit science. She absolutely sees winemaking as an expression of the vineyard and is always the first one out of the house during the growing season to check on vineyards and meet with vineyard managers.
In Napa, she made the Spottswoode Estate Wines from 2006 through 2010 and currently makes Pahlmeyer, Arrow&Branch and Ziata. Jen has also worked in the CA’s central Coast and in Rioja, Spain.
About Mark
I never had a decent wine until college, when I learned that the waiters in Boston’s North End didn’t really care much about checking ID’s. Soon after that, I was able to spend some time in Italy searching for wines that were both delicious and easy on the wallet. I have worked with Bordeaux varietals in Hawke’s Bay, NZ, and currently make Cabernet for Anomaly Vineyards, Unwritten and am a founder of Band of Vintners.
In addition to making wine, we have three wonderful daughters that keep us grounded and remind us that it’s okay if the house is a little messy.
Jennifer Williams and Mark Porembski